Telephone Factory Lofts

Current Resident 774219

Resident • 2007 - 2010

Enjoyed the Telephone Factory Lofts

We recently moved from Telephone Factory Lofts. We have rented 3 different units there in the building. Each loft is unique in its own way. We loved the fact that we were allowed to personalize the units and build as we pleased. The building is full of character as are the residents there. Very dog friendly! Fenced in backyard for grilling and doggie playtime! The property manager is very efficient in addressing any issues if you might have any. We enjoyed our stay!

KurtAtlanta

Resident • 2005 - 2010

TFL Review

My partner and I moved out in July after living at TFL for about five years. a few observations .. - We liked the place - as evidenced by the fact that we were there for so long. There are lots of choices in Atlanta. - The folks who live in the building are a mix of artists and professionals. The annual art show was a blast. - The manager has received some rough reviews on this web site, but I always found her to be reasonable and responsive. If you followed the rules listed in the lease, things stayed friendly and professional. If people didn't follow a rule, I agree that things could be difficult. An adult should probably expect that. - Complaints included: really dreadful bottom-of-the-line kitchen appliances; sometimes very loud dog barking in the hallways - made worse by the echo effect of the concrete construction; sometimes difficult parking - probably caused by patrons of the restaurant next door; not enough parking lot lighting, which resulted in occasional car burglaries.

Prospective Resident 203295

Prospect • Visited 2009

Would Have Interest...No Follow-Up..Manager a Train wreck

The building and lofts look great. But it seems becoming a resident here is no easy task. I called manager and she was very rude to me on the phone. She told me to call back. I called back to hear a screaming kid and her to tell me it was still not a good time. Finally, I was able to visit a loft after 3 weeks of ME ADJUSTING TO HER SCHEDULE. The woman, Sarah, is very cold, creepy and strange. I found a unit I wanted. She gave me the paperwork. I wanted to take the unit on the spot, but she told me I had to be approved and to fill out the paperwork. I wanted to fill the paperwork out on the spot, but she told me she was 'too busy' and to take it and turn it back in. I had to make 3 trips now to try to lease this unit!! She told me to leave my application in a slot in the door. She did not return my calls for days. I blocked my call and she answered and said the loft had been rented and I had been placed on a waiting list. People, I have a great job and A credit. First, why should I have to 'chase done' a leasing clerk to try to live some where? Where is some customer service? Who on earth gives this woman so much power? Why was my time wasted wanting a unit only to be told it was 'taken'? Other notes: These places are great. Huge, authentic classic lofts. They are not cheap. There is also some rip off scheme if you have a dog. you pay a pet deposit and a monthly 'dog fee' is also added into your rent. This building had a great vibe, but I can tell from some of the other notes, serious management problems.

Current Resident 998497

Resident • 2007

DO NOT live here, if you want to maintain any degree of sanity

I cannot stress this enough: DO NOT live at the Telephone Factory Lofts. I know it's difficult to trust the reviews on sites such as Apartment Ratings, and with good reason: management of apartments listed on this site often does drive-by anonymous postings to try to counter-balance the negative reviews on their properties. It is very interesting that a positive review that's very similar to several before it showed up here the day after a negative review appeared. Of course, I realize I'm posting anonymously as well (due to circumstances beyond my control; I would much prefer to put my name to my words), and thus my review will be taken with the appropriate serving of salt. But please do consider the following: My partner and I lived there for a total of five months. It was the worst experience w/ an apartment I've ever had, and that's even taking into consideration the apartment in college that had brown sludge erupting in the bathroom sink and a drunk maintenance man! The rent for a TFL unit is not cheap. I'm not high-maintenance, but at such a price I expect a modicum of decent living. Instead, we had: * Refrigerator growing mold * Leaky dishwasher * Absolute bottom-of-the-barrel on all appliances * Window that wouldn't close properly * ...resulting in dust/residue getting in our apartment and coating our furniture, when work was being done on the outside of the building * ...for which we had to fight management tooth-and-nail to get ANY compensation for our resultant cleaning expenses, and even then they only agreed to pay half. * Leaking roof * Neighbor with dogs that howled at all hours of the night, making noises I had never before heard or even imagined that dogs could make. * ...we complained several times (as this was in violation of the lease terms), following the process laid out in the lease agreement, to no avail * ...we even made recordings of the howling dogs over a period of a couple weeks and gave it to the landlord, to which she replied that she "didn't see what the big deal was." * Twice we had to call the police because there were people walking around on the roof in the middle of the night, peering in the high clerestory windows at the top of our apartment. * And the piece de resistance: our air conditioning was broken for 11 consecutive days in August 2007, which also just happened to be the hottest recorded period in Georgia history. It was so hot that the city of Atlanta was paying for AC for indigent residents because people were dying. The temperature in our apartment rose to nearly 100 degrees; I couldn't stay in there for more than about 5 minutes without getting physically ill. We had to stay in hotels or with friends the entire time, and management refused to compensate us for our incurred expenses. For the sake of your mental (and possibly physical!) health, do not live here.

Current Resident 30303

Resident • 2000 - 2008

Great experience! Highly recommended!

We recently moved from the Telephone Factory and began missing it from day 1. These are true and authentic loft spaces, which are increasingly hard to find in Atlanta where most newly constructed apartments are being touting as "loft space". The Telephone Factory is the truth. The location is superb; close to the Highlands retail districts, bike paths, parks, grocery shopping, etc. There was even little need for a car, which is an extreme rarity in Atlanta. The building is filled with great people and characters, making any run-in outside a pleasure and sometimes even a learning experience! We would definitely recommend to anyone!

Current Resident 74881

Resident • 2007

Don't live there

The landlord is a terror to deal with.

Current Resident 133254

Resident • 1996 - 2008

ABSOLUTELY!

Amazing lofts with character and history. Fantastic location with easy access to major highways, but in a vibrant neighborhood with people of ALL types. Plenty of great dining, bars, and shops within a few blocks in all directions. Acres of open green space just outside the door...and VERY well managed and maintained with attention to detail and timely repairs. Friendly community vibe, but plenty of personal space. Secure, safe, and a GREAT place to make a home. Easily the best place i ever rented from.

Telephonefactory

Resident • 2007 - 2008

The manager!

The apartments are great, but the manager (sarah) is very unpleasant. As long as she remains in charge i would stay clear of the telephone factory lofts!

ElNino

Resident • 2006 - 2007

Julien's review

I had the most amazing at the Telephone Factory. It is a truly unique piece of architecture, what that deservedly belongs to the national registry of historic monuments. The old factory was reconverted with a lot of taste : very RAW, no --------, and just the basic comfort. It is inhabited by some of the most amazing people i have met in Atlanta - a neighbor described it as an "artist frat house". Everyone was super nice and creative, and i only wish i had met more residents. The rooftop terrace is an absolute gem, with a view over all of midtown and downtown skyscrapers. The only downside i found is the HVAC : the space i had was so large that it could never be cooled appropriately in summer, and heating in winter cost an absolute fortune. Several neighbors kept complaining that corners had been seriously cut on that one. Windows have terrible insulation too, but that's part of the "old Factory" charm... Regardless, I really wish i could afford to continue living there.

philippp

Resident • 2006 - 2007

An oasis of creativity in the heart of Atlanta

I lived in one of the Telephone Factory Loft units for a year and a half; it was one of the few Atlanta apartments in which there was an active, outgoing community of neighbors. Upon moving in my friends affectionately referred to it as the "yuppie dorms", as all of my neighbors were outgoing, agreeable and responsible. Management was responsive whenever maintenance was needed, neighbors were tolerant about the occasional dance party, and great hallway conversations were the norm. The area is surprisingly safe at night -- there is the occasional city incident, but I routinely walked home at all hours of the morning without a problem. Now I live in a much smaller space in a different city, but would move back to the TFL if I were to re-locate to Atlanta at any point in the future. I can only recommend this place, with one advance warning: Be meticulous, MOST meticulous when moving in and out: This is the only place where I ever lost a significant part (more than half) of my deposit. Aside from that, this is my favorite apartment / living space provider ever!

corgiorgi

Resident • 2005 - 2007

Happy to have called it home, sad to leave...

I lived at the Telephone Factory for two wonderful years. As with all apartment-living situations, there are times when you can hear the neighbors, when something bad like a car break in happens on the property, or things just don't work right. In my experience these things were VERY minimal, and the benefits of living among such an interesting group of people far outweighed the relatively minor inconveniences. I felt 100% safe there, and never had any problems with maintenance or the management. In fact, the manager often went out of her way to be helpful and accommodating. If you are the type of person who likes knowing your neighbor's names, can tolerate the occasional (rare really) party next door, likes dogs in spite of the occasional canine noise in the halls, and are looking for a great in-town community of people to live near, I would say you can't go wrong at the Telephone Factory. The apartments are comfortable, the bills are cheap, the people are cool, and the location can't be beat. I am still wondering why I moved out....

sally34

Resident • 2001 - 2007

Great unit and hope to stay here indefinitely

Have been in a live/work unit for over six years and have loved being at The Telphone Factory. Great location for Highlands, entertainment and wonderful for clients -everyone talks about what a great unit it is and how comfortable and convenient the location is. Property manager is pleasant, professional and goes beyond the call of duty to make sure that we are happy and that all service needs are handled in timely manner.

Current Resident 642915

Resident • 2006 - 2007

a great place to live...

i moved into the telephone factory about 7 months ago. i work from home and commute to the "office" via plane, so the location is perfect for getting to the airport at any time of the day. the bills are low, the management is great and i love my apartment, so i'd have to say that this is a great place to live. i've lived in 3 other loft communities in Atlanta and this is the best one, by far. the parking is never a problem, the location is perfect and for the most part, the neighbors are professional and cool. to top it all off, the building and management is dog friendly. my dog loves it here and i think living here has helped him to come out of his shell because he has so many friends to play with in the yard. there is also a gym in the complex so now i never have any excuses not to go to the gym. finally, with a restaurant next door, the carter center and L5P within walking distance, this is the perfect place to live.

Jimslam

Resident • 2006 - 2007

Sad to leave - great experience!

After spending 8 months building a house of our dreams and being screwed in the last hour by the developer, my wife and I decided to follow a dream and move into a big loft in the city. We found quite the treat at the Telephone Factory.<br><br>We had a top floor corner unit. With panoramic views of the city, 40' ceilings, and about 2400 sq. ft. overall, not only was it a steal for the price, it was impressive to everyone who visited. The building is very quiet and friendly to animals - especially dogs, for which there is a good sized off-the-leash dog area.<br><br>Sarah, the manager, is excellent. Professional and courteous, she deftly handles any situations that arise without becoming a distanced, uncaring corporate drone. Her willingness to listen and occasionally make exceptions based on circumstances has helped us greatly and been a welcome deviation from the norm.<br><br>My biggest concern in moving here was the utility bills. Attempting to heat/cool 96,000 cubic feet is quite a chore, and I figured it would be pretty expensive. In reality, heating (which in Atlanta is only 2 months) is easy, as the unit warms itself to 70 degrees daily from the enormous amount of windows. Our gas bills have been about $100/mo this winter, which is on par with our previous 1200 apartment. As to cooling, we often got by in August and September by opening our windows and turning on the provided ceiling fan. Once again, our electric bills have stayed below $150/mo, which I found to be impressive.<br><br>Overall, I'd love to stay here for another five years. My wife unexpectedly became pregnant, which resulted in my accepting a new job outside the perimeter, so we decided to move closer to my office in order to save my sanity. Otherwise, we'd certainly be long-term tenants.

Current Resident 13514

Resident • 2006

total nightmare

the landlord sarah was a nightmare, i have been a renter for 12 years and living there was the worst situation ever because of the landlord.

Current Resident 729149

Resident • 2006

Managment is awesome! If you have a problem with something in your apt. it gets fixed right away! Sarah is on top of things around here!

daisy68

Resident • 2003 - 2006

Great mix of people at a great location.

I can't imagine living anywhere else. It has a very friendly and diverse population, the management cares about the safety of building. <br>It has a great dog and people yard, laundry, and the atmospher of the historical Telephone Factory adds a lot of charm to the place. <br>The location is in the middle of everything Atlanta, and has a great park (Freedom Park) right across the street.

Current Resident 781198

Resident • 2006

wonderful creative enclave

This is hands-down the best loft building in the city. The management is caring and courteous as well.

Current Resident 786809

Resident • 2006

i love the management! they're always there to help...

homeawayfromhome

Resident • 2004 - 2006

i didn't want to leave!

i moved into the telephone factory a couple of years ago thinking i would never leave. I was so happy to find this incredible place to live. i am not very much of an "apartment person" but once i moved in i decided it was permanent. i didn't feel like i was in an apartment. High ceilings, open space, my own private terrace with trees. There is a lot of love in this building and it is very obvious- from the landlord (Sarah) who cares for the place and her tenants as if it were her house and family all the way to the tenants who treat each other with respect. I ended up recently moving out and buying a home but only because it is a couple blocks away from the telephone factory!

Current Resident 799426

Resident • 2003 - 2006

Centrally located to everything that we do. Management staff always responsive to our needs. Cool living spaces, great neighbors, and overall, a fantastic place to live !!

sisterlouisa

Resident • 2001 - 2006

my favorite place i've ever lived in 50 years!!!

everything is wonderful<br>about the telephone factory:<br><br>the loft,<br>the building,<br>the location,<br>the neighbors,<br>the amenities,<br>the management,<br>the maintenance,<br>the friendliness of everyone,<br>i can't say enough positive.

Current Resident 800294

Resident • 2002 - 2006

Best loft community in Atlanta!

A fantastic and authentic loft building full of creatives and exceptional management make this the best loft community in Atlanta!

Current Resident 803580

Resident • 2000 - 2006

an amazing place to live!

Current Resident 804045

Resident • 1996 - 2006

a wonderful place to call home

this is a real comunity of creative and interesting people living in a wonderful building constructed in the late 1930s and converted into lofts in 1996. the spaces are large (my studio unit is 1800 s.f.) with all the modern conveniences, and you get a lot of square footage for your money. the building is pet friendly, even to dogs, which is becoming harder and harder to find in the atlanta rental market. the common areas are always kept clean, and the management is conscientious and available and responds timely to maintenance requests.